An unlikely path to cookbook store ownership

Chicago's cookbook store Read It
& Eat opened in 2015, bucking a trend of cookbook store
closings. It was the first cookbook store in Chicago, and is
dedicated to providing food lovers with exceptional culinary
experiences through carefully selected books, classes and
discussions. The shelves are filled with food and drink books on
various topics including cookbooks, travel, biographies, essays and
history. In-store events and a cookbook club help readers connect
with the books.

Owner Esther Dairiam's path to opening a bookstore for food
lovers was not straightforward, as we learn in a
recent podcast from Modern Mrs. Darcy. Esther's
background isn't in food or in books, but rather in management
consulting. A trip to Paris a few years ago inspired her to open a
store dedicated to food and cooking as none existed in the Chicago
area.

The podcast includes, as you might expect, discussion of
cookbooks, food, and how they bring people together. In addition,
Esther talks about what makes a great memoir and her favorite
childhood tomes. When you are done listening to the podcast, read
the 2015 EYB cookbook store profile of Read It &
Eat.